Sorption/desorption, diffusion, and swelling characteristics of geomembranes in the presence of halo-organic liquids

Sorption/desorption results of halogen-containing liquids into high-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, very low-density polyethyle ne, and polypropylene geomembranes are presented at 25, 50, and 70 degrees C. Sorption results are obtained by a gravimetric method, and diffusion coe fficients have been calculated by using Fick's equation from the initial li near portions oft;he sorption/desorption curves. Swelling of the geomembran es was studied from a measurement of the increase in volume, thickness, and diameter. From a temperature dependence of sorption and diffusion coeffici ents, the Arrhenius parameters have been calculated. Liquid concentration p rofiles have been computed using Fick's equation for the appropriate initia l and boundary conditions. The results of this study may have relevance in selecting the suitable geomembrane for a specific application in hazardous waste chemical ponds and other similar situations. (C) 1999 John Wiley & So ns, Inc.